After-Work Gourmet: Almond milk offers guilt-free treats

By Lisa MessingerCreators Syndicate

Friday

Feb 28, 2014 at 8:35 PMFeb 28, 2014 at 8:35 PM

Almond milk is a standout in the “milk” category that you might be missing out on if you think it’s just another replacement for animal milks. Its sales are soaring for good reason: It’s economical (many national and store brands are available) and, at about 40 calories per cup, it’s only about half the calories of nonfat milk or soy milk.What surprises many, however, upon first sampling even unsweetened almond milk is how thick, creamy, rich and sweet it tastes. For those reasons, simply pouring it on cereal may not be the ultimate choice; it might seem overpowering. What the milk may serve better as is a guilt-free treat.Its flavor and function rivals cream in coffee. It shines in hot chocolate, smoothies and other items.Dishes like the following simple ones prove innovative food preparation can be easy, nutritious, economical, entertaining — and fast. They take just 10 seconds each to read and are almost that quick to prepare.Another benefit: You — and your kids or other helpers — effortlessly become better cooks since there are no right or wrong amounts. These are virtually can’t-go-wrong mixtures, so whatever you choose to use can’t help but draw “wows.”International Coffee Comforter: Carefully stir into a cup of hot coffee in a microwave-safe mug that is quite a bit taller than the amount of liquid you will have in it, using almond milk with vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cumin and ground coriander. Make sure it’s cool enough to drink before sampling, or, if it has become too cool with the additions, carefully reheat for 10 seconds or less only in a microwave oven (ensuring it is in the aforementioned type of mug so it will not spill out over the top).Surprisingly Simple Hot Chocolate: Boil water, and in a large mug, carefully pour the water over 2 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (filled with antioxidants and a good blood-sugar regulator) and 1 3/4 teaspoons of a natural sugar-free sweetener like Stevia. Stir to combine and then stir in almond milk as a tasty replacement for whipped cream. Good as is, or add a dash of freshly ground nutmeg or allspice. Make sure it’s cool enough to drink before sampling.Scintillating Smoothie: Blend almond milk, low-fat (and preferably low-carb) fruit yogurt, a natural sugar-free sweetener like Stevia, a few chunks of banana, a few chunks of unpeeled apple, fresh lemon juice and ice until smooth, but still somewhat thick.Outstanding Oatmeal: In a microwave-safe container, prepare quick (but preferably not instant, which nutritionists often say is not as good a choice for blood sugar control) rolled oats according to package directions, but include almond milk as the option instead of regular milk. When oatmeal is cooked, stir and add natural sugar-free sweetener, unsweetened cocoa powder, trail mix that includes dried fruit and nuts, and minced banana. Combine well. Reheat on either stove or in microwave oven until hot.ALMOND MILK CHOCOLATE PUDDING1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa3/4 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 cup cornstarch3 cups almond milk (see Note)3 tablespoons margarine (or butter)1 1/2 teaspoons vanillaYields 8 servings.Combine the cocoa, sugar, salt and cornstarch in a saucepan and mix well.Slowly add the almond milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while whisking constantly.Lower the heat to a simmer, cover and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until pudding begins to thicken.Remove from heat and whisk in the margarine (or butter) and vanilla.Pour into a large bowl or 8 small serving bowls and refrigerate for at least an hour until thoroughly chilled.Note: Soy milk or coconut milk can be substituted. Use any variety, except light.— Silk.comLisa Messinger is a first-place winner in food writing from the Association of Food Journalists and the author of seven food books, including “Mrs. Cubbison’s Best Stuffing Cookbook” and “The Sourdough Bread Bowl Cookbook.”

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